Aseptic Necrosis of the Hip

Definition

Aseptic necrosis of the hip is the death of bone tissue in the head of the femur (thigh bone) due to poor blood supply.

There is a certain type of aseptic necrosis of the hip called
Legg-Calvé-Perthes
disease. It affects the growth plate at the upper end of the femur in children. It is most common in boys aged 5-10 years old.

Causes

Aseptic necrosis of the hip is caused by any event or condition that damages the arteries that feed the head of the femur . The most common events are fractures in the upper femur and dislocations of the hip, especially developmental dysplasia of the hip. Other causes reduce the blood supply by closing off or compressing the blood vessels.

Risk Factors

Factors that increase your chance of getting aseptic necrosis of the hip include:

Physical Therapy

Medications

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, to relieve pain

Bisphosphonates to prevent the loss of bone mass

Iloprost to relax blood vessels

Enoxaparin to prevent blood clots

Surgery

There are several surgical surgeries used to treat aseptic necrosis of the hip. The choice depends on the extent of disease and the age and health status of the patient. Bone grafts, decompression of the inside of the bone, realignment of the bone, femoral head resurfacing, and prosthetic hip replacement are some options.

Prevention

To help reduce your chances of getting aseptic necrosis of the hip, take the following steps:

Minimize the dose and duration of cortisone-like drugs.

Avoid decompression disease when diving underwater.

Reduce or stop smoking.

Avoid excessive alcohol.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.